How EPCOT’s future look has changed due to COVID-19
In 2019, standing before a group of faithful Disney fans inside the Anaheim Convention Center at the D23 Expo, Bob Chapek laid out Disney’s ambitious plan to re-imagine EPCOT at Walt Disney World. At the time, Chapek was head of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, and on the cusp of being named CEO.
It was a big moment for Chapek, and for EPCOT. Disney World’s second theme park opened in 1982 and had seen plenty of changes over the years — new countries added to the World Showcase, re-imagined pavilions, and attractions added and subtracted. But the park had been getting a little long in the tooth and was in need a major change.
Some changes had already been announced to the public, but this was the big coming out announcement. The reimagining began with taking the park’s two sections, Future World and World Showcase, and turning them into four: World Celebration, World Nature, World Discovery and World Showcase.
New rides, attractions and pavilions were teased. In addition, there were some hints of future changes placed on a display dubbed the Epcot Experience. As construction walls were erected and bulldozers brought in, EPCOT became a large construction zone. Then COVID-19 hit and the park was shut down.
While construction has ramped up since the parks reopened, the pandemic has left a lot in doubt. What’s still coming, and what has been put on hold? Here’s a look at what we know now.
FOUR NEIGHBORHOOD CONCEPT – STILL COMING
EPCOT will still be turned into four neighborhoods. What those neighborhoods — World Celebration, World Nature, World Discovery and World Showcase — have in store has changed a bit.
WORLD CELEBRATION AREA
Demolition has been most obvious in this area, the central hub of what is now known as Future World, including Spaceship Earth and the old Innoventions pavilions.
Spaceship Earth Refurbishment – On Hold
The theme park’s icon, Spaceship Earth, is in desperate need of an upgrade. The idea was that the attraction would be transformed with new scenes reflecting the universal nature of the human experience. There would be a new guide and all-new narration focusing on storytelling that brings people together. Keeping this attraction open while other work takes place around the park is a no-brainer. After other attractions and areas are open it would be easier to shut it down for an extensive overhaul.
Festival Pavilion – On HOLD
A new three-level pavilion was designed to be home base for Epcot’s signature festivals, providing a view of World Showcase and an ideal spot to witness the park’s nighttime spectacular. Now Disney is just calling this “a newly reimagined festival area that will be home to ever-changing events in a unique new environment.”
DREAMERS POINT – STILL COMING
As guests pass Spaceship Earth, they will discover a breathtaking new view of World Showcase from Dreamers Point. This area will also feature a new statue honoring Walt Disney. The natural environment will be filled with some Disney magic design elements including a fountain celebrating the power and music of iconic Disney storytelling. Surrounding the garden will be new retail and dining locations.
World Discovery
This area is home to Mission Space and Test Track, and it is where some of the park’s marquee projects are taking place.
SPACE 220 – Still Coming – OPENING in 2021
The new restaurant will offer a different kind of experience, providing the celestial panorama of a space station, including daytime and nighttime views of Earth from 220 miles up. Guests will board a space elevator for a journey to the Centauri Space Station, home to an incredible dining experience. Along the way, viewports will give guests real-time perspective as they travel high above the planet. Once they arrive, guests will enjoy fantastic meals and drinks while taking in views that are truly out of this world. Space 220 is being operated by the Patina Restaurant Group.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind – STILL COMING
The remake of this pavilion has been something guests have been watching for a while. The adventure starts in the Galaxarium, a planetarium-like exhibition that explores the similarities and mysteries of the formation of Earth’s galaxy and Xandar. Guests will be invited to learn more about the treasures Xandar has to share – until the moment when the Guardians of the Galaxy arrive, and adventures across the cosmos ensue. The attraction will feature a roller coaster that rotates 360 degrees to focus guests on the action and will include the first reverse launch on a Disney coaster.
The Play! Pavilion – UNKOWN
Originally scheduled to open in time for the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World, this pavilion would be a digital city bursting with games, activities, and experiences that connect them with friends, family, and beloved Disney characters like never before. Now, we list this as unknown for this very simple reason. In December, Disney released a list of projects still expected to come during this EPCOT renaissance. The Play! pavilion was not listed. However, if you visit the Epcot Experience show, the location is still mentioned, while other areas have been omitted. The pavilion is in the former Wonders of Life pavilion that in 2018 became a festival center.
World Nature
The opposite side of the current Future World includes the Living Seas, the Land, and the Imagination pavilions — and a new experience:
Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana – Still coming
This will be the first Disney Parks experience inspired by “Moana.” This new trail will invite guests to meet and play with magical, living water. Just like Moana’s friend the ocean, water will have a personality of its own, helping guests learn how to protect the natural water cycle in a fun and engaging way.
World Showcase
It’s still the World Showcase you know and love — and eat and drink around.
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure – Opening in 2021
This ride in the France pavilion will shrink guests to the size of Chef Remy and race through Gusteau’s restaurant on a wild adventure. The attraction looks complete. We are just waiting for a date.
La Crêperie de Paris – Opening in 2021
This new restaurant, also in the France pavilion, has both table and quick service options and has a menu inspired by celebrity chef Jérôme Bocuse. This is expected to open at the same time Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure opens in the France pavilion.
Wondrous China – ON HOLD
Prior to the shutdown in March, Disney had opened three new movies, “Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360” in the Canada pavilion, “Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along” in France pavilion and “Awesome Planet” in the Land pavilion. “Wondrous China” was to come to the China pavilion and take guests on a spectacular journey across China, filmed and presented in a completely seamless 360-degree digital format.
Mary Poppins attraction – On Hold
The first attraction inspired by Mary Poppins in Cherry Tree Lane was to join the United Kingdom pavilion as an entirely new neighborhood, but that has now been placed on hold — at least. It is believed that the attraction was going to be a themed merry-go-round.
HARMONIOUS – EXPECTED LATE 2021
One of the largest nighttime spectaculars ever created for a Disney Park will take place in the World Showcase Lagoon. “HarmoniUS” will celebrate the way Disney music inspires people the world over and will feature massive floating set pieces, custom-built LED panels, choreographed moving fountains, lights, pyrotechnics and lasers. During the day, it will act as a huge war fountain in the middle of the lagoon.
